Search Archives

Earl Watford Talks Opportunity, Cappa, “Exhausting” Trip

A handpicked and trusted Bucco Bruce Arians guy will take center stage tomorrow against the Panthers in England.

After practice under gloomy skies yesterday, he talked to JoeBucsFan.com.

Joe dispatched former manbeast JoeBucsFan Zach Seifter to chat with versatile veteran offensive lineman Earl Watford (known as “The Earl of Watford” to Ira Kaufman Podcast fans). Watford, 29, made 22 starts through four seasons with Arians’ Cardinals (2014-2017) after Arians made him a fourth-round pick in 2013.

What’s interesting about that 2017 season is Watford began it as a free agent signing of the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he coudn’t beat out ex-Bucs guard Patrick Omameh and was cut in September before the Cardinals scooped him back up.

He was with Cleveland last year before signing a near-veteran-minimum contract with Tampa Bay this season. Arians has touted him as a true pro who knows how to play across the offensive line and will be ready when called upon.

And now is his time. Starting RG Alex Cappa broke his arm Sunday.

“He’s a tough SOB, I can tell you that,” Watford said of Cappa. “Great young player. Sucks that he’s out for a little bit, but that gives me an opportunity to go out there and play. You know, I’m there doing everything I can for the team. We’ll see where it goes from here.”

Watford said the Bucs “had a great week of preparation” leading up to the Panthers game, including yesterday’s practice after what Watford called an “exhausting” trip/post-trip routine to get to England on an overnight flight Thursday-to-Friday.

“No special recipe against the Panthers,” Watford said of the offense’s plan for Sunday. And for him, it’ll be business as usual as he gets his first snaps of his seventh season. “Work my ass off and play football. Do everything I can to win every play,” Watford said.

Exhausted [email protected]%*#[email protected]!!!…BA should have asked someone from MacDill Central Command to send a few Special Operators over and explain how they deal with dropped into double digit time zones away….THEY F’n DEAL with IT !

hahahahaha this guy is already making excuses before Gerald works him over tomorrow. But that this the Buccaneer Way!! Just like Grandpa Bucco Bruce. He makes more excuses then #KluelessKoetter. What does BA coach anyways? He coaches the coaches is the answer.

My breath is certainly held regarding this patchwork Oline this week. Except for last week, the unit has really impressed this year. I really thought that was going to be our weakest link this year but they’ve been holding their own.

If coaching has a lot to do with it then I think we will be fine for this game. Cappa isn’t really a world beater (been playing well though) and Dotson can’t bend his knees beyond 30 degrees. Who knows, maybe we uncover a hidden gem on this Oline.

I agree Bobby, quick passes & rollouts … plus a healthy mix of rushes … MIGHT keep Jameis from getting whacked tomorrow. The 3 OLinemen who’ll have to really step up are Donovan, Marpet & Jensen; got a hunch lots of action will be to the left. Panthers can be run on … that’ll be a key.

These overseas games are a total F…omg JOKE!! As a season ticket holder I am PISSED that we give up a home game!! Let the Euros watch their little freeking kickball game err soccer and let us Americans keep football!!!

I made the trip to London Tuesday evening and arriving at 9AM BST time. I through I would simply sleep on the plane and wake up to a new day just like any other. Boy was I wrong. It took me a day of rest to get somewhat acclimated to the time change. The pints did not help the cause. Gruden has his team arrive on Monday in order to get the team acclimated to the time change. They won. We did not arrive on Monday……

Don’t forget Carolina lost the last game and probably are more focused and motivated …simply human nature… the Bucs will not be sneaking up on the Panthers and will have to beat them by imposing their will and playing better football. If not it could be ugly

When you look our o-line / running game success (or lack of) through the first 5 games this year, we’ve had the highest success at runs through the center/guard (5.1ypc). Next highest has been runs off left tackle for around 4.2ypc i believe.

So that’s some hope that our most effective run lanes may still be open.

Who knows maybe these backups will surprise us and shock the world? Not holding my breath, but ya never know.

@NDog: I am in London to root for the Bucs. Please do not be so harsh on people that do not like your butt buddy(JW). One day, if you hit that powerball, you will be able to make the trip. Or save your allowance that mom gives you and in about 12 years you can make it. Side note: From what I have seen thus far, Carolina fans are outnumbering Bucs fans 6-1.